Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav

Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav hailed from Prempura village in the Etawah district of northern Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he exhibited a deep sense of patriotism and felt a natural calling to serve the nation. The son of an Army soldier, Capt Veer Singh Yadav (Retd), he grew up admiring the olive-green uniform and the values it represented. This admiration was not just a childhood fascination—it gradually transformed into a resolute passion that shaped his ambitions and gave purpose to his life. With a clear goal in sight, he remained focused on his education and physical fitness, knowing they were essential prerequisites for a career in the armed forces. His perseverance, discipline, and unwavering determination were eventually rewarded when, in 2009, he was selected to join the Indian Army—a proud moment that marked the beginning of his journey in uniform.

Following his successful recruitment, he was inducted into the 6 Mahar Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, one of the most respected infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Mahar Regiment, with its distinguished history, is known for its acts of gallantry, unwavering discipline, and steadfast commitment to the nation. Becoming a part of this proud regiment was both a personal milestone for Hav Suraj Yadav and the beginning of a life of service in one of the country's most revered military units.

Operation Sindoor (J&K): 06/07 May 2025

In 2025, Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, a unit known for its discipline and combat readiness. At the time, his battalion was deployed in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir—an area located along the highly sensitive Line of Control (LoC). This 740-kilometre stretch of rugged and mountainous terrain forms a part of the 3,323-kilometre-long border between India and Pakistan and is considered one of the most volatile and militarized regions in the world. The sector frequently witnesses ceasefire violations, cross-border firing, and infiltration attempts by Pakistan-sponsored militants, making it a constant flashpoint of tension. By early May 2025, the security situation along the LoC had deteriorated sharply. The trigger was a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, which claimed multiple innocent lives and drew nationwide outrage. In response, the Indian Armed Forces initiated preparations for Operation Sindoor—a precision strike aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including training camps, weapon stockpiles, and infiltration launchpads. The operation was intended not only to serve as a deterrent but also to reinforce India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.

As part of the preparatory phase, several infantry units, including 6 Mahar, were being mobilized and re-positioned to forward areas in anticipation of escalated hostilities. The situation on the ground was tense, with high alertness and operational movement underway across multiple sectors. On 6 May 2025, during this critical phase of troop mobilization, Havildar Suraj Yadav was travelling with his fellow soldiers through the mountainous terrain near Ramban, a region known for its narrow roads and treacherous driving conditions. The vehicle was being driven by Sepoy Sachin Yadav, a fellow soldier from the same battalion. Amidst the urgency of military movement and the challenges posed by the rugged terrain, the vehicle tragically lost control and veered off the road, resulting in a fatal accident. The mishap claimed the lives of two brave soldiers—Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav and Sepoy Sachin Yadav—both of whom had been serving the nation with utmost dedication. 

Just a day later, on 7 May 2025, Operation Sindoor was officially launched by the Indian Armed Forces. In retaliation, Pakistani forces unleashed intense and unprovoked shelling across the Poonch sector, targeting Indian forward posts and nearby civilian areas. This escalation marked a dangerous turn in the already fragile situation along the LoC and put thousands of troops and civilians at risk. Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav was a committed and courageous soldier who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty at the age of 34.

Havildar Suraj Singh Yadav is survived by his father, Capt Veer Singh Yadav (Retd), wife Smt Neelam Yadav, and their two children—a daughter, Ms Sheetal, and a son, Vijay Pratap.